TOKYO — The World Baseball Classic has effectively become the Shohei Ohtani showcase in Tokyo, where the two-way superstar’s presence dominates the tournament atmosphere ahead of Japan’s opening match against Taiwan on Friday. Ohtani’s larger-than-life imagery blankets the Tokyo Dome complex, while his merchandise commands premium positioning in stadium shops with jerseys retailing at approximately $125 each.
Japan enters the tournament as defending champions and overwhelming favorites to advance from Group C, which also features competitive teams from South Korea, Australia, and the Czech Republic. The Japanese squad is widely anticipated to secure one of two quarterfinal berths that would see them continue their championship defense in the United States.
Despite limited appearances in exhibition matches since arriving in Japan—going 0-for-5 at the plate and skipping Wednesday’s batting practice—Ohtani remains the tournament’s central attraction. The 31-year-old phenom acknowledged the changing composition of Japan’s national team during a press conference, noting: ‘Each time I join the Japanese team, I observe increasingly younger players joining the roster. This progression naturally makes me feel I’m aging within the squad.’
While Ohtani is scheduled to serve exclusively as a designated hitter for Japan—with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization limiting his pitching availability to preserve his arm for the regular season—he hinted at potential flexibility regarding mound appearances. When questioned about pitching possibilities, Ohtani responded through interpreter Will Ireton: ‘The situation remains uncertain. However, if Mike Trout were participating, the temptation would certainly intensify.’
Trout, unfortunately, will not compete for Team USA due to insurance complications that have sidelined several prominent players across tournament rosters.
Japan’s offensive arsenal features formidable power hitters including Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto, and Seiya Suzuki alongside Ohtani. The pitching staff, while missing stars like Roki Sasaki, Shota Imanaga, and Yu Darvish from the 2023 roster, will be anchored by World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto—Ohtani’s Dodgers teammate.
Australian second baseman Travis Bazzana, recently selected first overall by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB draft, identified Ohtani as his primary baseball inspiration: ‘I personally consider him the greatest of all time. He exemplifies superior work ethic and mastery of craft. While I admire his excellence, when game time arrives we must focus on competition rather than opposition celebrities.’
Australian manager Dave Nilsson, a former Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher, acknowledged the unique challenge ahead: ‘Facing the world’s premier team and competing against Ohtani constitutes a special event. The atmosphere will undoubtedly create monumental moments for Japanese fans, but we intend to maintain competitive focus rather than become distracted by the surrounding spectacle.’
The tournament carries particular significance for Japan following their dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in the 2023 final, when Ohtani memorably struck out Trout to secure the championship—a moment that substantially elevated the World Baseball Classic’s global profile.